Oct. / Nov. / Dec. 2024 by Smooth Jazz News

37TH CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL

The wizard of Avalon casts a spellbinding production

VINCENT INGALA

The multi-instrumentalist-producercomposer is living an up-tempo dream

ARTHUR THOMPSON

Teaching drum licks to kids

SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS REACHES 25TH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY! Celebrate with us at Spaghettini!

MINDI ABAIR LAUNCHES WINE AND JAZZ NEW YEAR’S EVE

RICHARD ELLIOT

A grand career arc finds the artist at the peak of his power

6. – 13. October 2025 | River Cruise Edition AMSTERDAM SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

Publisher and Managing Editor

Melanie Maxwell

Operations & Distribution Manager

Craig Collier

Contributors

Ken Capobianco

Cashmira

Marcia Luttrell

Darcy Peters

Copy Editors

JoAnn Armke

Barbara Knox

Brad Sondak

Paula Fitzgerald

Graphic Design

Gina Mancini

Stephani Rosenstein

Cover Photographers

Catalina Island by Tucker Tashjian

Richard Elliot by Lori Stoll

Contributing Photographers

Ray Aponte

Carell Augustus

Pat Benter

Dan Boissy

Ellis Moore Photography

Eric Hameister

Erin Blair Studio

Sandra Fitzgerald

David Hopley

Scott Johnson

Mark Maryanovich

Mélisa Miranda

Photography

Monica Orozco

Raj Naik

Bobby Quillard

Lori Stoll

Kristy Walker

Tanisha Walker

Trevan Wong

Smooth Jazz News

5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919

smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com

We will publish five issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2024: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December

Save the date to celebrate! The Smooth Jazz News 25th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2025, at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California! For details on this and other events, check out our calendar section beginning on page 28.

8 Notes from the Publisher

Celebrating 25 years of Smooth Jazz News!

12 37th Catalina Island

JazzTrax Festival

The enduring appeal of sailing across the sea to a land of music

16 Free CD Offer

Receive a FREE CD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

18 Vincent Ingala

The multi-instrumentalist emerges as a rare talent

20 Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz

New Year’s Eve

Launch 2025 with an ultra-deluxe entertainment event on Coronado Island in San Diego

24 Richard Elliot

Premieres a new album with songs that soar. Hear him perform them at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway.

28 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide and beyond

38 DISCover New Music

New releases for your smooth jazz lifestyle

40 Arthur Thompson

Who knew? The drummer can sing! The drummer-vocalist releases two singles.

42 Jazz Buzz

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For

Christmas Tour” ................................ page 42

27th Annual Dave Koz &Friends

Christmas Tour.................................. page 43

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway page 44

45 Smooth Jazz News home delivery

Subscribe today for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend or loved one!

45 Smooth Jazz News merchandise

Cool holiday gift ideas: hoodies, hats, fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts and tank tops

46 Book Review

“Life in the Key of G” by Kenny G with Philip Lerman

46 Cashmira’s Starguide Fall horoscopes

Photos: Ellis Moore Photography

Twenty-five years ago, I contemplated a lifechanging decision: Should I leave a lucrative mortgage industry career and dive into the uncertain waters of publishing to create the first-ever smooth jazz-focused magazine?

I felt the fear of a 15-year-old me, deciding whether to indulge in a perilous pastime like many of my friends had: jumping off The Clam, a cluster of cliffs overhanging the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla Cove. Some thrill-seekers who landed in unforgiving currents, on spiky barnacle-encrusted rocks, or got sucked into eerie caverns ended up in an ambulance …

I am an eyewitness and documentarian of the smooth jazz evolution. It has been my pleasure.

or dead. Now in my 40s, the consequences of this decision weren’t physical or fatal. However, my outcome could be financially devastating. At the time, more than 80 percent of print publications failed within the first year. And, without an established readership and circulation, I couldn’t generate much advertising revenue, at least in the beginning. This meant I’d be bankrolling everything. As I agonized over the decision, a spontaneous force was about to choose for me. While at work one day, I pushed aside a pile of loan applications and began flipping through a notepad with names of potential writers, editors, graphic designers and printing companies that I had recently contacted. Poring over my notes, I envisioned what my life would be like working in this new enterprise.

Suddenly, I took the leap. I immediately called everyone I wanted to hire, booked them and reserved a press date. It was thrilling, but I was also flinging myself off a financial cliff.

But in December 1999, the first edition of Smooth Jazz News magazine rolled off the presses, and 5,000 copies were delivered to my driveway.

And, just like that day at The Clam, decades earlier, I survived—with new adventures and friendships.

As the magazine grew, so did the genre. I witnessed artists’ careers grow, and festivals, concerts, cruises and Christmas tours flourish—while developing personal relationships with all those involved.

Among the many who became friends was Art Good, the JazzTrax Festival and syndicated

continued on page 10

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE AND COMPANIES WHO ADVERTISED WITH SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS IN 2024

• Blake Aaron

• A Touch of Heaven Day Spa (Catalina Island)

• Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival (Portugal)

• Amsterdam Smooth Jazz Festival: River Cruise Edition

• Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra

• Marcus Anderson

• Apaulo Music Productions (Terri and Michael Paulo)

• Arizona Jazz Festival

• Baja/TSR Records (Tom Hayden)

• Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest (Tish Davis and John Ernesto)

• Patrick Bradley

• Christiane and Rick Braun

• Brian Culbertson’s Chicago Jazz Getaway

• Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

• Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway

• Dee Brown

• Cannonball Musical Instruments (Sheryl and Tevis Laukat)

• Reneé and Mark Carter (The Seabreeze, 106.3, Smooth Jazz)

• Catalina Express (Amanda Bombard)

• Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (Art Good)

• Michael Cates

• Chapman & Co. Management (Steve Chapman and Bud Harner)

• Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam

• Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival (Michelle McKeown)

• Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024

• Dave Koz & Friends At Sea: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands

• Daytona Jazz Weekend at One Daytona

• Christian de Mesones

• Dymally International Jazz & Arts Festival (Dr. Anthony Samad)

• Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor (Denise Waichunas)

• Camella and Richard Elliot

• Eric Marienthal & Friends benefit concert for High Hopes Head Injury Program (Mark Desmond)

• Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters

• Festival of Arts: Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate

• Festival of Arts Concerts on the Green

• Festival of Arts Spotlight on the Music of Hope Blue Piano

• Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation (Cathy Powers)

• Gardena Jazz Festival (Sen. Steven Bradford and Nikki Sweeney)

• Kim Giles

• Grooves at The Westin Concert Series

• Melody and Carl Harness

• Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

• Adam Hawley

• Vincent Ingala

• Jason Jackson

• Rebecca Jade

• Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend (Jeri Horne Keels and Alvin Keels)

• Jeff Kashiwa

• Reza Khan

• Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club

• Dave Koz

• Lake Arbor Jazz Festival (Kevin Alexander)

• Patrick Lamb

• Live from La Costa Summer Concert Series

• Long Beach Jazz Festival

• Louisville Jazz Festival

• Mack Avenue Records (Adam Zelinka and Matthew Jurasek)

• Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape

• Metropole Marketplace

• Mexico Jazz Experience

• Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz Adventures

• Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve

• Charles Moorer

• Payne Pest Management (Kathy Payne and Jason Payne)

• Rainbow Promotions (Kimberly and Ozzie Benoit)

• Rhythm on the Vine at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway

• Ruth Eckerd Hall

• San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

• Tony Saunders

• Renee’ and Mark Carter (The Seabreeze 106.3, Smooth Jazz)

• Dan Siegel

• Shanachie Entertainment (Rick Rosenberg)

• Smooth Entertainment (Sandra and Christian Bössner)

• South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (Stephen Sprague, Kurt Helm)

• South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Rhythm on the Vine Concert Series

• Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment (Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros)

• James “PJ” Spraggins

• Sycuan Casino Resort

• Darnell “Showcase” Taylor

• Temecula Wine & Music Festival

• Damon Terrell

• The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend

• Arthur Thompson

• Tracy Hamlin’s Sweet Jazz Festival

• Uptown Music & Arts Festival

• Quintin Gerard W.

• W. F. Leopold Management (Mark Graham)

• WineandJazz.com

continued from page 8

radio show host, who offered exciting adventures in locations I’d never visited before. From Catalina Island for his JazzTrax Festival, to an overnight train trip from San Diego to his Winter into Spring Music Festival at the Sunriver Resort in Oregon; and the Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival, where everyone rode a chairlift up 8,000 feet to the dusty slopes of Snow Summit to be treated to magnificent views and musical performances.

I remember when Mindi Abair was a sax player for other artists. When she began branching out into a solo career, she invited me to lunch. Afterward we sat in my car in the parking lot of an Oceanside, California, restaurant, and listened to her yet-to-bemastered first release on my car’s cassette player. Since then, she’s made her own way in this genre. And, now, after finding her soulmate, husband Eric Guerra, she’s merged their collective love of food, wine, travel and music into their successful WineandJazz. com adventures, including the launch of Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve in Coronado, California, sponsored by Kathy Payne, co-founder of Payne Pest Management.

Payne is another friend I’ve made. She and her late husband, Willie Payne, were advertisers. Then, throughout meals and smooth jazz travels together, we discovered that we were raised in the same Pacific Beach Navy Housing neighborhood and attended the same schools. Payne has not only been a friend and generous advertiser with Smooth Jazz News, she is also a major donor, sponsor and supporter of concerts, festivals and independent artists.

Marcus Anderson was an emerging sideman when I first saw him perform, and noticed that he had the “it” factor. His talent has taken him to the head of the late Prince’s horn section, then touring with Brian Culbertson and other artists, and becoming a genre attraction with his own band. Plus, he’s staged his own festival and launched a coffee brand, featured at Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape in Durham, North Carolina. All the while being an amazing father to two daughters.

Mutli-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala was in high school when we met. Now, he’s 31 years

old, with a solid career, an entire management team, a new home and a fiancée!

And, while Ingala was a toddler, Dave Koz’s mother Audrey was baking cookies and dropping them off at radio stations for program directors, along with a cassette tape of her son’s music, when he launched his solo career. Today, he’s the most successful mogul in the smooth jazz universe with sold-out cruises and Christmas tours, creating the most cherished memories for his fans. He’s also the most generous philanthropist and cheerleader for other musicians and artists.

During that same time, Renee’ and Mark Carter were hosting local concerts to promote their Destin, Florida-based radio station, The Seabreeze 106.3 Smooth Jazz. These events eventually became a weekend festival held in a condominium complex’s courtyard then moved to various venues, before finding a permanent home in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Seabreeze Jazz Festival has evolved into an 8,000-plus-seat event that sells out each year before the gates at Pier Park even open. It’s the most sought-after ticket on the smooth jazz circuit.

Friendships extend up the East Coast, where Debbie Pinsky distributes Smooth Jazz News to the DMV region (Washington, DC; Maryland; Virginia), including the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania.

These are just a fraction of the friends I’ve made and the advertisers who have supported us throughout this venture.

But it also requires a team of professional writers, editors and graphic designers and staff to keep us going. JoAnn Armke was our original graphic designer who created the logo and template layout for Smooth Jazz News. Although she’s semi-retired and living in Texas, she continues to pitch in and help with editing, layout review and headline writing.

Gina Mancini is our main designer, and North Carolina-based Stephani Rosenstein subs for Mancini when she is away.

Our award-winning journalists, Ken Capobianco and Marcia Luttrell handle the main features and artist interviews. Editors Brad Sondak, Barbara Knox and Paula

Fitzgerald make sure that the copy is clean and tidy before going to press. And, Craig Collier, our operations and distribution manager, makes sure that every subscriber, advertiser and festivalgoer at the events we attend receive a copy of Smooth Jazz News

A perk of this work has been my many sublime jazz vacations over the years.

Glamorous excursions aside, the time spent at concerts and festivals is a mere sliver of the weeks and months of long hours I work in the office creating the magazine and managing the business. The largest part of my day is dedicated to the income-producing activity of selling ads. This leaves little time for interviewing artists, which I assign to our highly talented journalists.

Advertisers provide the budget that pays for the writers, editors, graphic designers, distributors, staff, phones, internet, office supplies and all of the other expenses that keep this business running. So, without advertisers there would be no Smooth Jazz News for our readers, for whom I am also wildly grateful.

In this spirit of gratitude, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has ever advertised with us, especially those who ran ads in 2024. They are listed on page 9 in alphabetical order.

To celebrate our years of success, we’re inviting them to our 25th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California, on Jan. 19, 2025. Our favorite party band, DW3, whom we met on one of the first smooth jazz-themed cruises in the early 2000s, will perform in the lounge and will be joined by some of our special guest artists. We’d love for you to join the fun. Tickets are available, but seating is limited, and this event always sells out.

Cheers to 25 years!

To purchase tickets to the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini, located at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, visit www.spaghettini. com or call 562-596-2199.

The 37th

CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL

Avalon, California

Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 17-20

By Melanie Maxwell

A vision of a quaint seaside village chiseled into island hillsides emerges on the horizon as jazz pilgrims abandon their daily lives and complete a passage to otherworldly Avalon, California, the tiny seaport that is enchanted with a spell of music each year.

The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is both a celebration and an island destination.

Avalon’s main thoroughfare is a crescent fringe hugging the harbor, so it is easy to join the community of festivalgoers exploring the attractions afoot or by golf cart (the main mode of transport). This short scenic route is dotted with unique stops and shops and eateries. Fresh fish, hooked and reeled in locally in the morning, can be sizzling on the grill by dinnertime.

Other than visitor delights, it’s the festival lineup—always an eclectic mix of up-and-comers, emerging artists and established headliners—that sends genre enthusiasts sailing 26 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Southern California’s coastline to Avalon, where for two weeks each fall it is the center of the smooth jazz universe.

For 37 years, Art Good, the festival’s producer, has masterminded a formula that thrills the crowd—and produced a few acts that he admits flopped—and brings a third of his audience as returning guests each year.

“I start with the four major headliners for Saturday and Sunday closers. They are always the hardest to nail down, and most expensive. There are a number of artists like Boney James, Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, who I like to try and get every other year, no matter what. Get those conquered, next step is loads easier,” Good explained over the phone from his cabin in Big Bear Lake, California, where he was escaping the triple-digit August heat of his Palm Springs, California, home base.

“Then I look for a couple of blasts from the past, one for each weekend. Dan Siegel is one of those this year. And, I’m always looking

Photo: LoriStoll

Descanso Beach

Blake Aaron

Booker T. Jones

Richard Elliot & Rick Braun

Marcus Anderson

Photo:PatBenter

Photo:Tanisha

to book a couple acts, one each weekend, that I don’t know or never heard of when the year began. Our ‘where did they come from?’”

Breaking artists has long been a signature of Good’s JazzTrax festivals and radio shows. “We broke Mindi Abair. We broke Jesse Cook. Peter White and Marc Antoine both give us credit for being their big stage debuts,” Good said, adding, “I think we did that as well for Brian Culbertson.

“Now I’m liking the idea of bringing someone not truly smooth jazz each year, just one each year, but who everybody knows all the words to their songs: à la The Spinners this year. But I’m always, always switching things up.”

Good was fascinated when he saw that The Spinners were playing Yoshi’s a year ago, so he went to one of their shows at the Oakland, California, jazz club. Afterward, he booked them for this year’s festival, and said they’re the group he’s most excited to see perform in October.

“Of course, if someone asks, ‘Why are you bringing them? They’re not smooth jazz,’ I remind them when we had the Average White Band, and they questioned that, but after the show was over, nobody questioned it anymore,” he explained, then added: “I blew it this year, though, by not booking AWB because they are retiring after this fall. Damn!

“I think The Spinners are gonna be a fun, fun, FUN closing night opening weekend. Even the naysayers know all the words. I think we’ll be leaving the ballroom with our hearts and our memories satisfied.”

Another artist Good is looking forward to seeing perform is Myron McKinley. Although, he admits never having seen the pianist-producersongwriter-film score producer yet.

“I don’t know him, but someone sent me his video doing Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror.’ Wow,” Good exclaimed. “And, then realizing he’s been the longtime keyboardist and music director for Earth, Wind & Fire, it was a no-brainer. And, he was thrilled to be bringing his own trio to a jazz festival stage. He’s probably played ‘That’s the Way of the World’ too many times, but the guy who plays that on keys in their show, I’m bringing him to Catalina Island. Can’t wait,” Good enthused.

Slim Gambill is another previously unknown artist that piqued Good’s interest. When the guitarist-songwriter, who straddles contemporary jazz, rock ’n’ roll and country, rose to the top of the Billboard smooth jazz charts for four straight weeks, that’s when Good started researching him. “As soon as I saw he’d long been the guitarist for Nashville’s Lady A, I sat up, and said, ‘Yes let’s do that,’” Good explained.

In addition to bringing new artists to the island, the JazzTrax producer and syndicated radio show host especially likes booking artists who have recently released new music. “It means something to me that an artist is still coming up with brand-new music. We have, unbelievably, almost half our lineup bringing new songs on the boat across the sea this fall,” he said.

Each of the two weekends kicks off with a Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” performance with two acts on the sand at Descanso Beach, which is also where the Saturday after-parties are held between 10:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

The festival moves into the historic Catalina Casino Ballroom for Friday through Sunday performances. There are two performances scheduled on each Friday evening, with two afternoon performances and two evening shows on Saturday and Sunday. The afternoon shows are at noon and 2 p.m.; and the evening shows at 7 and 9 p.m.

Good advises his audiences to plan their meals between sessions, although food and beverages can be purchased at Descanso Beach and in the Casino Ballroom. He also recommends “drinks at the Descanso Beach Bar or late nights at the dive bars, the Marlin Club or The Locker Room.”

The seasoned Catalina promoter has more sage advice: He insists that festivalgoers consider extending their visits by an extra day or week. “Find me in a bar Monday night watching the World Series and ‘Monday Night Football.’ You’ve come all this way, stay an extra day or two, before or after. You’re not running to a concert, so you can relax, take an inner island tour, or just read a book or do nothing. Get there Thursday, Oct. 10, for Art’s first note, and don’t leave the island until Sunday night, Oct. 20, for the finale, which is sure to be through the roof with Mindi [Abair], Peter [White] and Vincent [Ingala].”

Good is as enthusiastic about the destination as he is his lineup. “The whole venue is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean,” and he describes how, below the majestic Casino Ballroom, waves are literally lapping up behind White as he opens the Thursday night “Unplugged” on the beach, and behind “Mr. Ghostbuster” [Ray Parker Jr.] on the closing Thursday.

continued on page 14

Photo: MarkMaryanovich

Photo: BobbyQuillard

Photo:RayAponte

P h o to : Trevan Wong

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

Dan Siegel

Ray Parker Jr.

Vincent Ingala

continued from page 13

“Then, stepping back in time,” he said, “walking into a ballroom built by Wrigley chewing gum, nearly 100 years ago, with so much history it seeps through the French doors and knocks you out soon as you walk into the room. Jaws drop the first time anyone ever walks into our festival ballroom.

“I want JazzTrax patrons returning on boats to the mainland, going back home to San Diego; or Fresno; or Rochester, New York; or the incredible number who come from tiny towns I’ve never heard of in Texas—OK, probably Dallas, and Houston, and San Antonio, and Austin suburbs—and saying, ‘That cost us a pretty penny—mostly the hotels—but it was worth every cent. We’re coming back next year,’” he said.

However, for those only able to make it to the festival for a day, Catalina Express has late-night boats on Saturday and Sunday nights. But, Good warns that day-trippers leaving on Saturday night as other festivalgoers are pouring onto Descanso Beach, where a DJ is turning up the party vibes, will probably be “wistfully looking back at the after-party going on at Descanso Beach, dancing, while they’re sailing away and saying, ‘Honey, we’re coming for the whole damn three- or four-day weekend next year. Or, ‘We’re joining the JazzTrax 10-day club, staying for both weekends, never leaving till the last note is done.’”

As Good, and the rest of the smooth jazz demographic ages and retirement becomes a consideration, he has a plan for that—his 25-year-old son Austin.

“He’s heard all the pros and, trust me, all the minuses of throwing a festival on the island since he was a little boy. He’s picked up information in bits and pieces, and, he’s gotten a good education. But, he has his own day job. His career in promotion and publicity with film festivals, red carpets throughout LA and even working the Firestone Walker Brewery account, is going quite well.

“But in the last year he’s become more and more invested in JazzTrax. So, the plan has germinated that when this festival eventually—hopefully not real soon—has to reduce to one weekend, Austin’s growing dream is to create a jazz festival to replace one of our weekends with a jazz festival for his generation.

“There are all kinds of musical jazzical variations being done by younger musicians out there to bring to a younger jazz festival audience. But, he has to figure that out. I figured it out for our generation by creating the West Coast smooth jazz sensation on radio, and was crazy enough to bring it to an island 26 miles across the sea. But certain things you have to leave to the next generation. I’ll take the tickets at the door.”

Good then concluded with his decades-long mantra … “In all the world, there’s no place like this for jazz.”

Photo: MonicaOrozco

Fans enjoying the show in the Catalina Casino Ballroom

Mindi Abair

Peter White

Catalina Casino

Photo:PatBenter

Photo:LoriStoll

Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 17-20

Friday-Sunday performances are held in the Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California. Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” concerts and the Saturday evening after-parties happen at Descanso Beach.

Catalina Express offers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California. On Saturday and Sunday, special after-performance boat departures are available from Avalon back to Long Beach. For reservations or more information, visit www.CatalinaExpress.com.

WHEN WHERE GETTING THERE STAYING THERE

Visit the festival’s official hotels page at www.jazztrax.com/ hotels

continued on page 16

Catalina Island’s Finest Oceanfront Boutique . Hotel and Shopping Experience

• Enjoy luxurious rooms with breathtaking Courtyard, Hillside, and Ocean views.

• Unwind at *A Touch of Heaven Day Spa*, offering full-service relaxation.

• Explore our vibrant Marketplace with restaurants, jewelry, clothing shops, live music, and a kid-friendly arcade with mini-bowling.

• Ideal for group events and weddings!

Receive one CD FREE* (while supplies last) Choose one from this group of CDs

Going to the 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival? when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the

The 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 18-20

Casino Avalon, California Festival website: www.jazztrax.com

continued from page 15

Thursday, Oct. 10

Unplugged

Oct. 11

Oct. 12

Sunday, Oct. 13

Thursday, Oct. 17

Unplugged

Friday, Oct. 18

Saturday, Oct. 19

Oct. 20

VINCENT INGALA Acclaim for the young saxman just keeps growing

Photo: Bobby Quillard

By Marcia Luttrell

In the span of time between finishing one musical project and starting another, artists will sometimes get that game-over feeling. Vincent Ingala can relate.

He still has moments of doubt, even though the tenor saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist can boast five albums that made the Top 10 Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, including his eighth new release, Escape With Me, on the Shanachie Entertainment label.

“If you told me I’d hit number eight when I started in 2010, I’d say, ‘You’re nuts,’” Ingala said by phone from his home in Prospect, Connecticut. “That’s because when you finish a record, you think, ‘That’s it. I’ll never be able to write another song.’ I ran out of ideas. But over the course of three years, you find inspiration. New ideas pop into your head, and we are always growing, not only as people but as musicians.”

Ingala, 31, has indeed grown personally and professionally.

In addition to recording and producing Escape With Me, his touring schedule includes a performance at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival on Oct. 20 with Peter White and Mindi Abair.

The multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer is also heading out with Dave Koz on the 27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024.

And, for a fun moment, check out the Driving With Dave Koz YouTube video to hear Koz and Ingala play “I’m Just a Gigolo” within the confines of a Tesla, along with the pair’s amusing recollection of how Ingala opened for Koz at age 16.

Since then, he has developed a signature sound, a challenging task in that there are many saxophonists who record as soloists, and, like vocalists, they learn by copying popular recording artists.

But many never achieve the distinctive musicality that Ingala demonstrates. And, because he plays most of the instruments on his CDs and records them in his own studio, his sound is further enhanced by his engineering and producing skills.

Like his past contemporary jazz recordings, Escape With Me reflects Ingala’s roots. His father, Leo, who was a weekend DJ, shared his expansive understanding of the soul, jazz, R&B and disco eras with his son.

The new CD’s opening number, “Movin’ and Shakin’,” percolates with skillful horn phrasing and a catchy, danceable melody. The last cut,

“Free,” featuring vocalist Lindsey Webster, is another up-tempo song designed to get listeners on their feet.

Escape With Me also includes a smooth jazz version of “La-La Means I Love You,” an old-school R&B number popularized by The Delfonics. Ingala plays the melody on saxophone and vocalizes the chorus. When he plays the song live, he said the whole audience joins him on the lyrics: “La la la la la la la la la means I love you.”

Ingala’s personal life has more amore, too, as he recently became engaged to his longtime love, Olivia. He proposed when the couple vacationed in Florida with Ingala’s parents. His mom, Dawn, kept the square-shaped, princess-cut diamond ring in her purse, waiting for the moment when her son decided to pop the question.

“I knew I was going to do it on that trip; I just didn’t know exactly when,” Ingala recalled. “One morning, Olivia woke up and said, ‘I’m going to go for a run on the beach,’ and I said, ‘I’ll go with you.’” Once on the sand, Ingala set the scene by asking for help in collecting seashells for a home project.

“I said, ‘Liv, wait till you see this shell; it has a shine to it. It’s almost blinding me.’ She asked, ‘What are you talking about?’ and I said, ‘Take a look.’ I was standing right there with the ring, and that was it. I got down on one knee when I was putting it on her hand. It’s kind of comical because we were both sinking in the wet sand, and we hugged and fell down at the same time.”

Ingala said he sometimes consults his fiancee and family members when choosing song titles for his recordings, and his grandmother came to mind when naming “Lene’s Groove,” the ninth cut on Escape With Me. This tribute to her is a swaying tempo made more poignant by the addition of background strings.

“Marlene was my grandmother. She passed away last September, and she was a big supporter of my career. I’m her only grandson, and

O

N TO ur

Oct. 20

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (with Peter White and Mindi Abair) Catalina Casino Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 23

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley and Rebecca Jade

Various venues throughout the United States www.davekoz.com

she loved music,” Ingala explained. “She would come see me play live, and she had a cute little shuffle dance that she would do. We have videos over the years of her dancing to my songs. She will never hear Escape With Me, and that was a sad reality because she would always ask, ‘Have you finished your album?’ Olivia pointed out that the song sounds like something grandma Marlene would dance to. It’s her tempo. So, we settled on ‘Lene’s Groove.’”

Ingala is scheduled to ring in 2025 as a featured artist at the threeday Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve event beginning Dec. 29 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California. His nuptials also will occur in 2025, at a date to be announced, when there’s a break in his busy touring schedule.

He also hopes to find time to indulge in another passion many would find to be, well, highly unlikely for a musician. “I bought a house last September, and I just love having a beautiful, green, lush lawn,” Ingala confessed. “All during the pandemic, when we had nothing but time, I painstakingly researched lawn care, green grass fertilization techniques, aerating and overseeding. I know it sounds funny, but I love this so much, and I gained so much knowledge talking to lawn experts. I have a Toro TimeCutter® zero turn riding mower—it’s my man toy. It’s a nice release away from the road and something completely different.”

This lawn-obsession confession comes from an internationally recognized musician who debuted his sax chops at a San Diego club as a teenager, was named 2011 Debut Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz News, and who now requires a management team, booking agent, record deal and radio promoter to help him tend to his flourishing, bright green career.

For more information on Ingala, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.vincentingala.com.

Dec. 30

Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve Loews Coronado Bay Resort Coronado, California www.mindiabair.com/new-years-eve

May 6, 2025s

Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival

Pine Cliffs Resort, a Luxury Collection Resort Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal www.algarve.smoothjazzfestival.de shop@smooth-entertainment.eu

Voyage One: June 7-14, 2025

Voyage Two: June 14-21, 2025

Dave Koz & Friends at Sea

Iceland • Norway • Netherlands

Aboard Holland America’s ms Rotterdam www.davekozcruise.com

Photo: Bobby Quillard

CORONADO,

CALIFORNIA | DEC. 29-31

By Melanie Maxwell

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Mindi Abair has dreamed about hosting a New Year’s Eve event for many years. So has Kathy Payne. The chief financial officertreasurer of Payne Pest Management had sponsored one in San Diego with her late husband, Willie, in 2018, and she always wanted to do it again. Fortunately, fate intervened during last year’s Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival to make both of their dreams come true.

“Mindi and Eric [Guerra, Abair’s wine-expert husband] approached me while visiting me at my vacation rental on Catalina last October. They thought it was a natural fit since I had previously sponsored and promoted events in my hometown of San Diego, not to mention our close friendship,” Payne said.

During that visit, they decided to team up to launch Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve 2024, adding to the WineandJazz.com Adventures portfolio that Abair and Guerra host throughout Northern California’s Wine Country and at luxe wine regions worldwide. They describe this event as “a three-day celebration of the finest wine, food and music to ring in the new year from the sun and sand of beautiful Coronado Island,” just across the bridge from the San Diego skyline.

“I’ve always loved celebrating New Year’s Eve. It’s all about joy, renewal and making resolutions to live your best life moving forward,” said Abair. “I’ve performed for so many New Year’s Eve celebrations over the years, and recently, there have been less and less. I found myself yearning for somewhere inspiring to play and celebrate the coming new year. It occurred to me to make my own and make it that special luxury event that I was dreaming of. I love the idea of ringing in the new year in an inspiring way with artists I love and people I love.”

Two of those people are Roy and Penny McClurg, premier sponsors of the event. Abair said that Roy has been the executive producer for every CD on her Pretty Good For A Girl Records label.

And, of course, another one is Payne, the event’s title sponsor. “We’ve been friends for many years,” said Abair. “I think anyone who’s loved smooth jazz met and fell in love with her late husband, Willie Payne. Both of them championed this format, the artists in it, and helped to build

Photo: Monica Orozco

community around it. I love the power of a strong, capable woman being in the mix, and she’s been amazing to have as a part of our event.”

Payne said that “this New Year’s Eve will be the first since my husband’s passing that I will attend without him.”

For Abair, San Diego holds fond memories in so many ways. “First, when I moved to Los Angeles after I graduated from Berklee College of Music, it was tough for me to find my way into this ‘big pond’ of amazing musicians and artists. The first gigs I was hired for were in San Diego. I got a job as a waitress at Universal Studios in LA, and I’d drive back and forth three to four days a week to play with multiple artists in San Diego. San Diego gave me my start and embraced me. Since then, I’ve released all of my CDs there first with listening parties and shows.

“Then, there’s my husband, Eric. He was born and raised in New Jersey but wanted a change. He applied to San Diego State and never looked back. He graduated, and he’s been a California guy ever since. So, this choice of San Diego for our New Year’s Eve Wine and Jazz event was very intentional, to be in a meaningful place to us that we love and want to share with people,” Abair explained.

And, for the music, Abair, Guerra and Payne selected a stellar lineup.

“My first thought was that DW3 would bring the house down,” said Abair. “I always feel that for New Year’s Eve there should be that party element. That band just rocks it and plays music that makes you want to dance and let go. That’s DW3 to the core!

“I’ve loved touring and recording with Vincent Ingala. I can’t say enough about how talented I think he is. He plays every instrument well, and he’s a quality person. He cares, shows up always super capable and ready to bring the house down.

“Ellis Hall is a name that maybe a lot of people aren’t familiar with. I started playing in Ellis’ band when I was 23 years old. He calls me his daughter, and he is a huge father figure to me. He sang for many years with Tower of Power. He’s the voice of The California Raisins; coolest thing in the world. Ray Charles signed him to his record label and produced an album for Ellis. I was on it, and I have so many memories of Ray wheeling up to me in his wheelchair as I was playing solos; he was amazing to be produced by. Ellis is all heart and soul. He emanates joy with every note he plays and sings. I want that joy ringing in our new year.

“Rebecca Jade was introduced to me by my friend from San Diego, Kevin Flournoy. He was producing a new girls group and wanted me to go to their showcase in LA. After the show, I told Kevin that one girl really stood out … that girl was Rebecca Jade. She was just at the start of her career, and I’ve been so inspired watching her blossom into the incredible artist she is now. Her voice is like an angel.

DW3

Rebecca Jade

Vincent Ingala

Photo: Erin Blair Studio

Photo: Scott Johnson

Photo: Bobby Quillard

continued from page 21

“Ariana Savalas and I have been friends for a long time. I met her many years ago on a Dave Koz cruise. She’s celebrity child royalty as Telly Savalas’ daughter. But she brings it in such a big way. She’s fun and funny and super talented, and you never know what may happen.

“I can’t say enough about Pat Prescott, who is hosting this for us. She is pure love. She makes the world a better place daily, and she’s going to be a big part of creating an inspiring and uplifting start to this new year for all of us. This isn’t just about the music … it’s about friendship, community and making each other better.”

Then, there’s the food and wine. “The first night for our Champagne Package guests will be a personal dinner and wine pairing curated by my ‘cork dork’ husband, Eric, and the Loews head chef. I’m going to add a little music as well, a capella! It’s a chance to be in an intimate setting and relax and have an extravagant meal together with personalized wine selections.

“From there, our Cabernet Package guests come in on the 30th, and join everyone for a special wine and food pairing, overlooking the San Diego skyline, with Ariana Savalas performing. Eric is bringing in our company’s Wine and Jazz wines to pair with a curated menu by the head chef.”

As an added element to the musical entertainment, Abair will host a Storytellers event featuring stories and songs. “I know these artists so well, but you may not,” she said. “I want the chance for you to get to know these amazing people more than just them playing for you. Pat Prescott will host that and give you a little insight into the people behind the music you love. I’m hosting a huge wine and jazz tasting with my husband, to get us all ready for the big night. Then, we’ll have a red-carpet photo opportunity and meet-andgreet with the artists, followed by a spectacular dinner with sparkling wine flowing for the main concert event.”

Abair said her vision is a very intimate luxury experience for the days leading up to the new year. “This is not a bigbox pack-’em-in event. We’re in a beautiful setting, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, which has a beach and a bay view. We’ve worked tirelessly to create meaningful events that are special to us. My true hope is that people walk away feeling loved, relaxed, united, taken care of, and inspired to take on the next year in a very positive way. I want them to experience a few days of luxury with food and wine pairings, and wine and music pairings, and our Storytellers event and, of course, the incredible concerts.

“We plan to make this an annual destination for great music and an inspired way to ring in the new year together with an elegant and intimate mix of great wine, food and music,” she concluded.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Mindi Abair with husband

Eric Guerra

December. 29-31

WHEN LINEUP WHERE

Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Road Coronado, California

GETTING THERE

Flights are available into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 12 miles from the venue.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

www.mindiabair.com

December 29

Intimate Wine & Dining Experience with an Unplugged Performance by Mindi Abair 6 p.m.

December 30

Food + Wine Pairing Bayfront Reception & Performance Featuring Ariana Savalas 3 p.m.

The Premiere Party featuring Vincent Ingala and Rebecca Jade, hosted by Mindi Abair 8 p.m.

December 31

Storytellers Artist Interviews & Unplugged Performance, hosted by Pat Prescott 1:30 p.m.

WINEandJAZZ.com Portfolio Wine Tasting & Music Pairing, hosted by Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra 3 p.m.

Red Carpet Artist Meet & Greet .......................... 6:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Grand Celebration, Dinner and Midnight Toast featuring Mindi Abair, Vincent Ingala, Rebecca Jade, DW3, Ellis Hall & more 7:30 p.m.

Positively upbeat and uplifting

RICHARD ELLIOT

By Ken Capobianco

hroughout his long, stellar career, Richard Elliot has reached many milestones, while garnering plaudits from audiences, peers and critics. As he rolls out his superb new album, Straight Up Down—his 21st studio effort— Elliot is marking the 40th anniversary of the release of his first album, which launched his celebrated solo career after his tenure with the great groove band Tower of Power.

Four decades later, Elliot is at the peak of his powers and one of the most popular acts in jazz, but he had no premonitions in the early 1980s that he would find the kind of career success and endurance he has experienced.

“From the time I started getting some traction as a solo artist, I thought to myself that if I can get 10 years out of this, I’d be thrilled,” the thoughtful, soft-spoken Elliot said via phone from his Rancho Santa Fe, California, home on a hot August afternoon.

“It never occurred to me that I’d be fortunate enough to be able to do this for 40 years,” he continued. “And I’m grateful for my career every day.

“I started out as a sideman for other musicians and thought that would be my main thing. I would be lucky for that. My solo career started as something fun to do.

Photo: Lori Stoll

I thought if I wasn’t on the road backing up other artists, I could have a little band so I could do some gigs around town, but there was no plan for it to be a career.”

Elliot is in the spotlight now, thanks to the release of the spirited Straight Up Down, which finds the saxophonist in a life-affirming mood. The songs on this new album demonstrate his evolving aesthetic and superb musicianship. Producers Paul Brown and Euge Groove strip away unnecessary instrumentation for a cleaner sound focused on Elliot’s lithe, lyrical saxophone work.

It makes for a wonderfully melodic mix of genres as Elliot hopscotches through funky bounce, sensual romanticism, soulful grooves, and R&B. Included with the set of eight originals is a cover of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ “Tell Me (if You Still Care About Me),” which breathes new life into their hit.

“I definitely wanted to create a positive record—something upbeat and uplifting,” said Elliot, who is also a software engineer and entrepreneur.

“If you go back to my last album, which I did during COVID, it had a different set of feelings because of what we were going through.

The saxophonist was pensive while reflecting on the song. “That is dedicated to and inspired by my wife. At least one song on every album is dedicated to her. She is the ultimate inspiration to me and the love of my life. She’s the mother of my children, and they are the inspiration behind what I’m very lucky to do to make a living.”

Elliot’s road to solo success started as a sideman and studio musician for some of the most luminous artists in pop music. He recorded with The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations, and toured with Melissa Manchester and Rickie Lee Jones, among others. He cites joining the Yellowjackets and Tower of Power as the defining gigs of his early life, though.

“I draw on the full human experience for my art—the good, the bad, the positive and the sad—so the music varies, but I always try to be honest.”

“With this,” he continued, “I wanted to present an emergence from that with something feel-good and lighthearted—feeling free and light.

That’s kind of the mindset of the new record, and the music

“I draw on the full human experience for my art—the good, the bad, the positive and the sad—so the music varies, but I always try to be honest. You can’t force it or preconceive a mood. This is about gratitude, feeling good and emerging into the light.”

He collaborates with his longtime friend, saxophonist Groove, on the two most song-savvy tracks, “Very Delicious,” which begins the album on a potent note, and the supple “Driftin.’” Groove’s production gives Elliot plenty of room to breathe, allowing the songs to soar.

Elliot is effusive about Groove, whom he recommended as a replacement for him in Tower of Power in 1984.

“Euge and I have been friends for decades,” reminisced Elliot. “I’ve always been a big admirer of him, but we never recorded together. He was gracious enough to ask me to play on his latest release. After that, he said, ‘Hey, man, if you ever want to work together on some of your stuff, let me know.’ I was already working on mine, so we got together. It was such a fun process—he’s so good and intuitive. He lets you be you but pushes you at the same time. It was a delight.”

One of the highlights of the album is the lovely ballad “Beautiful,” which is dedicated to Elliot’s wife, Camella.

“My five years with Tower of Power were the single most important thing in my musical education,” the Glasgow, Scotland, native, who grew up in Los Angeles, said.

“I learned more with that band than with any other group or artist I’ve worked with. I learned about being a team player, telling a story with your instrument, and, of course, being part of a horn section. Tower was my graduate school. That said, I had such a great experience playing with the Yellowjackets also.”

The merging of Tower of Power’s rocksoul-R&B influence and the jazzy fusion of the Yellowjackets is evident in Elliot’s solo music, and it’s readily apparent on Straight Up Down.

The saxophonist takes great pride in the many endeavors he has outside of music. He’s a devoted family man, engineer and philanthropist. Elliot is a father of five who tries to spend as much time as he can with his family.

“Family is everything to me,” he said. “Parenting is an interesting thing because they are still your kids even though they are adults. We take pleasure and pride in watching them blossom and follow their passions. It’s so important to who we are.”

His children are grown and doing their own things, but he remains involved. “My oldest (Candice) is 34, and she’s an entrepreneur and business owner who is doing very well. She owns a fitness facility in San Diego. My oldest son (Bub) is 30 and a business owner doing great. He owns a power-lifting gym. They both got into fitness.

“My other daughter (Mikayla) is 26 and getting her master’s in clinical psychology. I have a 24-year-old son (Eli), and he’s the only one still playing music. He attends Berklee College of Music. They all started on music, but he continued. My youngest (Julian) is 19 and just finished his freshman year at Cal Poly.”

When Elliot is not recording or heating up clubs and amphitheaters, he takes some free time to build an airplane at home. Most people use fine-print directions and glue bought at Hobby Lobby, but Elliot, a licensed pilot, is channeling his inner Wright brothers.

“The plane is still in process,” he said, laughing slightly. “I’m seven years into it, and my wife keeps asking me, ‘When is that going

continued from page 25

to get finished?’ And I say, ‘Don’t rush me. It’s really important, and I need to get it right.’

“But it has an engine and looks like an airplane. I still have a long way to go. As I tell my wife, I’m just enjoying the process. It might be done in a year. It might take two more, or I might never get it done. I enjoy it, though.”

One of the most vital things Elliot does has nothing to do with a saxophone. He is involved with numerous charities benefitting children and the marginalized. He said it goes beyond having a basic altruistic instinct—it’s a mission.

There’s a clear synergy between what Elliot achieves with his music and charity work: He brings light to the darkness, inspires and connects with our shared humanity.

“I think it’s an obligation for anyone who has the time, means, ability and skill set to help lift up others,” he maintained. “It’s the most important thing as a member of the community. The common thread for us in terms of causes and philanthropic endeavors we get involved in is based around children. We get involved in quite a few things in children’s health, both physical and emotional.

ON TOUR

“We’ve been involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and children’s arts programs, especially for children in marginalized areas, where kids don’t have access to extracurricular activities.”

There’s a clear synergy between what Elliot achieves with his music and charity work: He brings light to the darkness, inspires and connects with our shared humanity.

“Being as sincere as possible with your art is very important to me, and that carries over to other aspects of life,” he said.

“Being authentic and as honest as you can in your interactions with others and how we treat people is so crucial.

“That’s true about my music—being authentic and sincere. But it’s more important in how we live our lives. Having a mandate for kindness. That’s part of how we make a difference.”

For more information about Elliot, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.richardelliot.com.

Oct. 12

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (as RnR with Rick Braun) Catalina Casino Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com

Oct. 29-30

Paris Smooth Jazz Festival: River Cruise Edition (week 1) Aboard Ms Amadeus Diamond Sailing along the Seine River from Paris www.smoothjazzeurope.eu

Nov. 9

Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala Weekend Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton, Virginia www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org

Dec. 1

Rick Braun’s Holiday Sunday (with Rick Braun) Brunch and Christmas Concert Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com

Dec. 31

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Orlando, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com

Richard Elliot performing at the 2022 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Photo: Pat Benter

RNR: RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOTT

GERALD ALBRIGHT

BONEY JAMES

MARCUS ANDERSON with special guests

KENNY LATTIMORE, JULIAN VAUGHN

REBECCA JADE & ANDREA LISA

FOUR80EAST with special guest JEFF KASHIWA

JACOB WEBB & PHYLICA RAE

LALAH HATHAWAY

STANLEY CLARKE

VICTOR WOOTEN & THE WOOTEN BROTHERS CORY WONG

AUBREY LOGAN & ILYA SEROV with the READING POPS ORCHESTRA THE STRING QUEENS

GERALD VEASLEY’S UNSCRIPTED JAMS PLUS MANY MORE!

Richard Elliott Rick Braun

Lalah Hathaway

Cory Wong Marcus Anderson

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

OCTOBER

Gregg Karukas, 7:30pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Maysa, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Will Donato CD-Release & Birthday Bash, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Maysa, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, https://admiralpub.ca, 604-298-7158

BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo AlbumRelease Party, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Maysa, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

7

Music Monday featuring Kay-Ta Crypto & String Society, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Ray Parker Jr., Jim Peterik, David Pack & Mindi Abair perform for In Concert for Cancer’s 13th Annual Benefit Show, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

10

Gerald Albright, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the Stars featuring Art Sherrod Jr., 6pm; Peter White, 7:30pm, Descanso Beach Club, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

11

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Blake Aaron, 7pm; Marcus Anderson, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

Candy Dulfer “We Funk Harder” Tour Kickoff, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

12

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Nathan Mitchell, noon; Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr. & Everette Harp, 2pm; Oli Silk, 7pm; RnR with Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom,

1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

13

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Dan Siegel, noon; Lindsey Webster & Jackiem Joyner, 2pm; Slim Gambill, 7pm; The Spinners, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, https://admiralpub.ca, 604-298-7158

Kyle Schroeder, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal with special guest Brian Culbertson, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15

Candy Dulfer, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the

Stars featuring Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 6pm; Ray Parker Jr., 7:30pm, Descanso Beach Club, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

18

Four80East, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Josh Vietti, 7pm; Booker T. Jones, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festivalpresents Legends of Jazz featuring Bob James & Najee, 9pm, Performing Arts Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy., Lewes, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Damien Escobar & Eric Darius, 8pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

19

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Roberto Restuccia, noon; Paul Taylor, 2pm; Peet Project, 7pm; Candy Dulfer, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents 3 Alarm Fire featuring Art Sherrod Jr., Adam Hawley, Jackiem Joyner & Phylicia Rae, 4pm; Four80East, 9pm, Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

continued on page 30

continued from page 28

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Norman Brown, Keiko Matsui & the Eboni Strings, 12:30pm; Performing Arts Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy., Lewes, Delaware, www. rehobothjazz.com

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Acoustic Alchemy, 3pm; Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr. & Everette Harp, 8pm, Lewes Elementary School, 820 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

8th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival featuring Richard Elliot, 6pm, Pensacola Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola, Florida, www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com, 850-393-3028

Diego Figueiredo Trio, 7:30pm, Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Rick Braun & Peter White; Gerald Albright, 3pm; Boney James, 9pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

Chris Standring, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Chris Standring, noon; Najee, 2pm; Myron McKinley, 7pm; Mindi Abair, Peter White & Vincent Ingala, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

An Afternoon of Wine & Jazz with Mindi Abair & wine expert Eric Guerra, 4pm, The M Restaurant, 205 Crescent Ave., Avalon, California, www.mrestaurantandevents.com/ tickets, 310-510-8404

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

2024 Closing Party & Buffet featuring Art Sherrod Jr., Adam Hawley, Marion Meadows & Lori Williams, 6:30pm, Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

35th Grand Jam! featuring Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Adam

Hawley, Four80East, Lori Williams, Everette Harp, Paul Jackson Jr., Jeff Kashiwa, Keiko Matsui, Marion Meadows, 3:30pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

Greg Manning & Roberto Restuccia, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

21

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour, 6 & 9pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

Richard Elliot, 8pm, PizzaExpress Jazz Club, 10 Dean St., Soho, London, England, www.pizzaexpresslive.com, 020-3798-9192

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Richard Elliot, 8pm, PizzaExpress Jazz Club, 10 Dean St., Soho, London, England, www.pizzaexpresslive.com, 020-3798-9192

Arizona Jazz Fest featuring Main Stage: Erykah Badu, KEM, Stokley, Gerald Albright, Tony! Toni! Toné! with D’Wayne, on the Main Stage; Mike Phillips, Julian Vaughn, Rebecca Jade, J. White, on the Jazz Stage, show times TBA, West Valley Event Complex, 10020 N. Ball Park Blvd., Glendale, Arizona, https://azjazzfest.com/

Poncho Sanchez, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Arizona Jazz Fest featuring Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, Joe, Sheila E., Raheem DeVaughn, on the Main Stage; Eric Roberson, Jeff Bradshaw, Justin-Lee Schultz, J. White on the Jazz Stage, show times TBA, West Valley Event Complex, 10020 N. Ball Park Blvd., Glendale, Arizona, https://azjazzfest.com/

Tony Saunders, noon, Alemany Farm’s Harvest Festival, 700 Alemany Blvd., San Francisco, California, www.tonysaunders.com

Arizona Jazz Fest featuring Fantasia, The O’Jays, Musiq Soulchild, Nathan Mitchell & Michael Lington, J. Brown, Kevin Ross & LeVelle, on the Main Stage: Paul Taylor, Adam Hawley, Lin Rountree & Algebra Blessett, J. White, on the Jazz Stage: show times TBA, West Valley Event Complex, 10020 N. Ball Park Blvd., Glendale, Arizona, https://azjazzfest.com/

Dan Siegel, 6pm, Humphreys Backstage LIVE, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, California, www.dansiegelmusic.com

Peet Project, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

NOVEMBER

2

Julian Vaughn, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Morris Day & The Time, Sheila E., 7pm, Sycuan Casino Resort, Heritage Event Center, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, www.sycuan.com/events/live-andup-close-events, 619-445-6002

Marcel Anderson, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Music Monday featuring Ashling Cole: A Tribute to Natalie Cole, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend Official Pre-Party featuring JJ Sansaverino & Althea Rene, 7pm, Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, 316 High St., Portsmouth, Virginia, https://jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend featuring Acoustic Alchemy; The Original Lakeside; Jackiem Joyner, Adam Hawley & Paul Taylor; Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers; Nathan Mitchell, 5:30pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, https://jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Jeffrey Osborne, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

Ruben Sings Luther, 8pm, Sycuan Casino Resort, Live & Up Close, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, www.sycuan.com/events/live-and-upclose-events, 619-445-6002

Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend featuring Damien Escobar; The Fellas: Marcus Anderson, Nathan Mitchell, Julian Vaughn, Lin Rountree & Nicholas Cole; Will Downing & Avery*Sunshine; Con Funk Shun, 6pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, https:// jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend featuring Patrice Rushen; Walter Beasley; Richard Elliot; ZAPP featuring Bootsy Collins, 6pm; After-Party featuring Bela Dona, 11pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, https:// jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

Brian Simpson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Jonathan Butler, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

Jazz Legacy Foundation 12th Annual Gala Weekend featuring Lindsey Webster; Brian Culbertson; Marion Meadows, Lori Williams & Jazmin Ghent; Ashling Cole “It Must Be Magic”-A Tribute to Teena Marie; Leon Timbo, 6pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, https:// jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

DW3: A Tribute to The Legends of Music, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

16

WNOZ Smooth Jazz 95.3 New Orleans Smooth Jazz Jam featuring NILS, Nathan Mitchell, LEMEK, Quintin Gerard W., Claudia Hayden, Tony Saunders, 7:30pm, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr., Metairie, Louisiana, https://wnoz953.com

Jackiem Joyner, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Keiko Matsui, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

Marion Meadows, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old

Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Richard Elliot, 6:30 & 8:45pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311

Grooves at The Westin Balloon Glow Concert featuring Paul Taylor & Michael Lington; Terry Steele with an all-star band, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com

Richard Elliot, 6:15 & 8:45pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311

Terry Steele Holiday Show, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Music Monday featuring Spencer Day, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Eric Marienthal with special guest Gerald Albright, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cobb Energy

continued from page 31

Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, Georgia, www.davekoz.com

Rick Braun’s Christmas featuring Peter White, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 5:30 & 7:30pm, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona, https://mim.org/

Rick Braun’s Christmas featuring Peter White, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

DECEMBER

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 5:30 & 7:30pm, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona, https://mim.org/

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida, www.vanwezel.org, 941-263-6799

Rick Braun’s Christmas featuring Richard Elliot, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca

Jade, 7:30pm, Hayes Hall at ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, Florida, www.davekoz.com

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 5:45pm; show at 8pm, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero W., Oakland, California, www.yoshis.com, 510-238-9200

Rick Braun’s Christmas featuring Keiko Matsui, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, http://floridatheatre.com/, 904-355-2787

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 5:45pm; shows at 8 & 10pm, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero W., Oakland, California, www.yoshis.com, 510-238-9200

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4:30pm; show at 7:30pm, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, www.mindiabair.com

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, Maryland, www.strathmore.org, 301-581-5100

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www. spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 8pm, Buffalo State Performing Arts Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Rockwell Hall 210, Buffalo, New York, www.mindiabair.com

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, Virginia, www.fergusoncenter.org, 757-594-8752

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, Connecticut, www.lymancenter.org, 203-392-6154

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Holiday Kickoff Event featuring Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” with Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson (with optional pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting), 7pm, Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksarts.org/holiday-kickoff

Justin-Lee Schultz & Friends Christmas, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 7:30pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7pm, Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, www.davekoz.com, 216-241-6000

Poncho Sanchez Holiday Show, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

9

Dec. 9-16: Mexico Jazz Experience, hosted by Michael Lington & Nathan Mitchell, featuring Gerald Albright, the Gipsy Kings with Tonino Baliardo, Albegra Blessett, Jeff Bradshaw, Eric Darius, Sheila E., Damien Escobar, Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, LeVelle, Lington, Keiko Matsui, Brian McKnight, Mitchell, Lin Rountree, Justin-Lee Schultz, Musiq Soulchild, Stokley, Julian Vaughn, Kirk Whalum, & J. White & more, exact dates & show times TBA, Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, https://mexicojazzexperience.com/, 602-244-8444

11

South City Jazz presents Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 5pm; shows at 7 & 9:30pm, St. James LIVE!, 3220 Butner Road, Suite 240, Atlanta, Georgia, www.mindiabair.com, 404-254-3561

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Robins Theatre, 160 E. Market St., Warren, Ohio, www.davekoz.com, 234-437-6246

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 6 & 8:30pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, The Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel, Indiana, https://thecenterpresents.org, 317-843-3800

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6:30 & 8:45pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https:// middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311

Erin Stevenson Holiday Show, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6 & 9pm, The Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida, https://funkybiscuit.com/

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, www.cbusarts.com

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul Sweet Soul Christmas, 7pm, Spaghettini

Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit, Michigan, www.davekoz.com

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows start at 3:30 & 7pm, Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Studio Theatre, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida, https:// bmgconcerts.com

Scott Wilkie Christmas Show, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal Holiday Show with

special guest Ilya Serov, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

17

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine &Jazz Tasting, 6pm; show starts at 8pm, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, http://floridatheatre.com/, 904-355-2787

18

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends

Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona, www.mesaartscenter.com, 480-644-6500

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 7:30pm, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, Florida, www.mindiabair.com

19

Tony Saunders, 9pm, Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill, 230 Commercial St., Nevada City, California, www.tonysaunders.com, https:// crazyhorsenc.com, 530-265-4000

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., San Diego, California, www.davekoz.com

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows start at 6 & 8:30pm, The Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, Florida, www.lyrictheatre.com, 772-286-7827

20

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan continued on page 34

Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, California, www.cerritoscenter.com, 562-916-8500

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, 8pm, pre-show VIP Wine Tasting Package (time TBA), Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, California, www.cerritoscenter.com, 562-916-8500

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson, preshow Wine & Jazz Tasting, 5:30pm; show at 8pm, Chrome Showroom at

Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto, California, www.galloarts.org, 209-338-2100

Mindi Abair “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” featuring Lindsey Webster & Marcus Anderson; PreShow Reserve Wine Tasting, 5pm; show at 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27

DW3: A Tribute to The Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, 4949 N. Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.mindiabair.com

Grooves at The Westin presents Holiday Grooves: A Christmas Celebration with Steve Oliver, Brian Simpson, Spencer Day & Michael Paulo, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https:// groovesatthewestin.com

Jessy J Holiday Show & Birthday Bash, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour featuring Jonathan Butler, with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Rebecca Jade, 7pm, McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, California, www.davekoz.com, 760-340-2787

A Tribute to the Legends of the ’80s featuring Billy Mondragon, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch

performance by Ariana Savalas, 3pm; The Premiere Party featuring Vincent Ingala & Rebecca Jade, hosted by Mindi Abair, 8pm, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, California, www.mindiabair.com/new-years-eve

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve featuring Marcus Anderson, Julian Vaughn & Nathan Mitchell, 8pm; Gerald Albright, 9:45pm, Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, Florida, www.floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007

Mindi Abair’s Wine & Jazz New Year’s Eve featuring Storytellers Artist Interviews & Unplugged Performance, hosted by Pat Prescott, 1:30pm; WINEandJAZZ.com

Rebecca Jade & Friends: A Soulful Holiday featuring Daneen Wilburn, Darryl Walker, Joshua Taylor & Angela Chatelain Avila, 8pm, Sycuan Casino Resort, Live & Up Close, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, www.sycuan.com/events/live-and-upclose-events, 619-445-6002

The Braxton Brothers, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www. spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Mindi Abair’s Wine & Jazz New Year’s Eve featuring an Intimate Wine & Dining Experience with an Unplugged Performance by Mindi Abair, 6pm, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, California, www. mindiabair.com/new-years-eve

Roman Street, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

30

Mindi Abair’s Wine & Jazz New Year’s Eve featuring a Food & Wine Pairing Bayfront Reception &

Portfolio Wine Tasting & Music Pairing hosted by Mindi Abair & Eric Guerra, 3pm; Red Carpet Artist Meet & Greet, 6:30pm; New Year’s Eve Grand Celebration, Dinner & Midnight Toast featuring Mindi Abair, Vincent Ingala, Rebecca Jade, DW3, Ellis Hall & more, 7:30pm, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, California, www.mindiabair.com/ new-years-eve

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve, dinner, 7pm; live auction, 8:30pm; concert featuring Lindsey Webster, 9pm; New Year’s Eve concert featuring Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot & Peter White, joined by Lindsey Webster, Marcus Anderson, Julian Vaughn & Nathan Mitchell, 10:30pm, Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, Florida, www.floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007

New Year’s Eve with Eric Darius, 7 & 10pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 continued on page 36

NOTE: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of the listings contained in this calendar, events may be postponed or canceled without notice. Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are all subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations, changes or the accuracy of any concert, festival, cruise or brunch information contained in advertisements and/or editorial published in this magazine, which has been provided by outside sources. Please confirm all information with the organizer directly before making any plans.

continued from page 33

Photo: Erin Blair Studio

Photo: Ellis Moore Photography DW3

jazz bruNches

continued from page 34

OCTOBER

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

35th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

Sunday Brunch featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Oliver & Jackiem Joyner, 11am, Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Erin Stevenson, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

NOVEMBER

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3 featuring Ashling Cole, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

DECEMBER

1

Spaghettini’s Holiday Sunday Brunch with performances in the lounge featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old

Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

22

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

29

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

JANUARY

19

Smooth Jazz News 25th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session featuring DW3 & special guest artists in the lounge, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch in Seal Beach, California

Photo: Eric Hameister

MICHAEL CATES

• “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?” (SINGLE) (Sonic Redoubt Entertainment)

The latest single from saxophonist Michael Cates, “Where Do We Go From Here?,” is sure to pique your attention. Cates incorporates his tonal and timing acuities masterfully. Catchy, flirtatious jazz with a touch of groove. Mixed by two-time Grammy nominee, Greg Manning.

AvAilAble At: All digital service providers Website: https://michaelcates.com

CHARLES MOORER

• IF YOU WAIT (4CMusic)

TONY SAUNDERS

•

THE ROMANCE CONTINUES

(BAJA/TSR Records)

Tony Saunders’ theme of love is showcased once again on his new album, The Romance Continues, and his new single “Loving You Is Easy.” Teaming up with some of today’s top artists, producers and musicians, Saunders’ new 15-track album delivers a prolific and infectious collection of very catchy smooth jazz tracks!

Bassist Charles (Chuck) Moorer is back with his latest urban contemporary jazzgospel album, If You Wait, co-produced by Moorer and No. 1 Billboard artistproducer Nils. If You Wait is an inspiring, deeply soulful seventrack set showcasing Moorer’s funky, melodic bass chops and powerful composition skills. In addition to the seven vocal tracks, four have been reworked as instrumental smooth jazz singles. Special guests include Nils, Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Philippe Saisse and more.

AvAilAble At: All streaming and sales platforms Website: www.charlesmoorermusic.com

JASON JACKSON

• LOOKING UP (MBF Entertainment)

AvAilAble At: All major digital sites for streaming and downloads; here is a link to the sites: https://orcd.co/theromancecontinues Website: www.tonysaunders.com

GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH

• COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS (Windtunnel Records)

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach’s all-new CountYour LuckyStars album, featuring guests such as Marion Meadows, is a home run for this 11time Billboard-charting hornmeister. His new album got 35,000 streams in the first three weeks and pushed his subscribers through the roof. Hasselbach will be appearing at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival with Ray Parker Jr. on Oct. 17.

AvAilAble At: All digital service providers, including www.Amazon.com, iTunes, www.spotify.com, https://music.apple.com, plus physical CDs at www.GabrielJazz.com Website: www.GabrielJazz.com

Saxophonist Jason Jackson’s third album, Looking Up, features celebrated artists Rick Braun, Chieli Minucci and Julian Vaughn. Produced by the 16-time Billboard No. 1 guitarist Adam Hawley, this album blends smooth jazz and vibrant melodies, showcasing Jackson’s exceptional talent and creativity. Experience an uplifting musical journey that inspires and delights!

AvAilAble At: all digital retailers and physically at www.Amazon.com Website: https://jasonjacksonsax.com

Arthur Thompson

brIngIng the rhythms of lIfe to every project

By Marcia Luttrell

If a project Is “arthurIzed” by arthur thompson, a world-class drummer, that means It has hIs stamp of approval, and he Is passIonate about I t.

His short list includes the two new singles he released earlier this year, his tour with saxophonist Mindi Abair, the “We Can BEAT Cancer” song with Dave Koz and Erin Stevenson, and his “Drums Speak” program for youngsters.

Thompson visits schools and summer camps across the United States to teach his drum curriculum to young students, who learn to beat rhythms on cylindrical tubano drums.

This past summer, we spoke with Thompson after he conducted a lively “Drums Speak” program for first through fifth graders at Starfire Sports’ Music & Arts Camp in Tukwila, Washington. It offered five days of creative fun with drum circles, drawing and instruction about different rhythms. But encouraging children to express themselves through music is not without its challenges. Thompson recalled the third grader who “wanted to be in charge.”

“Instead of getting frustrated with him, I said, ‘OK, I’ll go with this,’” said Thompson by phone before catching a plane back to his Nashville, Tennessee, home. “I had him bring his drum up with me, and I had him teach the class. The kids responded to him, and it was great. I let him lead, and he was happy, and we continued. Sometimes, we, as instructors, have so many rules, and we’re so caught up in what we’re going to do that we can miss a moment to give a kid the chance to lead. I’m trying to get them to open up, help one another, and work together in a group without worrying about getting in trouble or being set aside.”

Thompson’s singing skills were a revelation both to fans and his professional peers. “ Let them hear me sing and play drums and percussion.”

In addition to educating adolescents with the “Drums Speak” program, Thompson has written children’s books, geared toward different age groups, that are available at arthurthompsondrums.com.

This year, Thompson has also emerged as a vocal talent with two new singles that charted in the top 100 on the Smooth Jazz Network. “Smile” is a loving tribute to a special lady who wishes to remain anonymous. The song features Abair on saxophone, and the lyrics describe Thompson’s love interest as someone whose warm embrace and smile lift him.

“She is my best friend, my muse,” he explained. “We’ve been working together forever, and she helps me with a lot of different projects. We are a team, but she likes to be way in the background.”

The video for “Smile” was shot on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise with Abair and the Boneshakers, and Abair’s husband, Eric Guerra, volunteered to film it. The footage was then professionally edited.

The single “Oasis,” an upbeat take of an R&B number that was originally recorded by Roberta Flack, has a tight horn section and an infectious melody. Thompson’s mellifluous voice has a broad range, and he scats at the beginning of the song.

For the video, he enlisted the talents of his 26-year-old son, a photographer and musician who shot the film at different locations in Tennessee.

Thompson’s singing skills were a revelation both to fans and his professional peers. He is well known as a percussionist in some circles; in others, he’s a first-call drummer. But no one knew he could sing.

“When you’re a sideman, you play what you are supposed to play,” Thompson explained. “I was a frontman when I had a band, and I was a worship leader. I’ve done a lot of music that people don’t know about. I thought, ‘Man, this is a lot of stuff that was going to waste. I’ll do one single at a time. Let them hear me sing and play drums and percussion.’”

you play the drum set right now, I’ll buy it.’ I was 8 or 9 years old, and it seemed like 1,000 people were there. I said, ‘No, I’ll play it when I get home.’”

No amount of coaxing could entice Thompson to play in front of a crowd that day, but his dad decided to purchase the drum set “for the family.” Luckily, Thompson’s brothers were more interested in football. He soon mastered the drums, eventually leading a band and joining his school orchestra, where he learned to read and perform orchestral music.

Last year, Thompson released the single “We Can BEAT Cancer” with Koz and Stevenson. Thompson lost a sister and a sister-in-law to the disease, and some female members of his family are breast cancer survivors. Thompson also discovered that many musicians who participated on the single and accompanying video had lost loved ones to the disease.

Thompson, 60, was born in Oklahoma and grew up with 11 siblings. “Same momma, same daddy,” he stated. “My mother and father started dating when they were in the seventh grade, and they were together forever. My father passed away when he was 82. My mother is still alive, and she’s getting ready to turn 95.”

When Thompson got his first drum set, he was too shy to play it. “This is a great story,” Thompson said with a chuckle. “My father and three of my brothers and my brother-in-law were riding around, and we stopped at a garage sale. There was a drum set sitting out there, an old Ludwig maybe, and I said, ‘Daddy, buy me that drum set.’ It was red and sparkly with a snare, a kick drum and a high hat. My father said, ‘I’ll tell you what. If

“My whole idea for the project was about coming together. It’s going to take a village of great minds and great hearts and lots of prayer to defeat this thing. We are doing it again this year, and my team is being built right now. The money we raise through the single and Arthurized merchandise is donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.”

Since 2012, Thompson has also traveled the world as part of the annual Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise lineup. In addition to performing with bands, percussion instruments are handed out to the passengers, and Thompson leads them in a popular drum circle event.

For more intimate performances with Abair, Thompson generates his solo star power when he plays the cajon, a rectangular box drum made of wood.

“You have to find the right position to get the low bass drum sound,” he explained. “If you play high, you get the snare sound. It’s like a drum set in a box. You have to have technique to make it sound good. I can make that thing cook.”

Although, between his sideman gigs and youth educational endeavors, Thompson hasn’t been able to carve out much time for solo performances. However, he’s scheduled to perform at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival with Abair, Peter White and Vincent Ingala on Oct. 20. You can also catch him performing with Abair on her “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” (featuring Lindsey Webster and Marcus Anderson) and at her Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California, Dec. 29-31.

For more information on Thompson, including his complete tour schedule, visit https://arthurthompsondrums.com.

Photo: Sandra Fitzgerald

jAzz BuZz and the succulent life

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour”

By Melanie Maxwell

Mindi Abair will hit the road with her 2024 “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour,” which kicks off on Nov. 30, in Phoenix, Arizona, and ends at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California, on Dec. 23. The Grammy-nominated saxophonist will be accompanied by vocalist Lindsey Webster and saxophonist Marcus Anderson for a 17-city run.

“We’ll do a few nights in multiple cities like Charlotte, Oakland and Phoenix,” said Abair. “We’ll also be going into SiriusXM to do a featured concert just for a special holiday airing on SiriusXM Watercolors.”

Abair said that she loves Christmas and always wanted to create a bigger-than-life show that “moves and flows in different places.” To help achieve those goals, she chose Webster, who performed on Abair’s 2022 tour, for her soaring voice. “That vocal power is so inspiring at Christmas to bring home those songs we all love,” Abair explained.

Anderson, who created his own AND Coffee line, is someone Abair has performed with on many Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruises, and with whom she always wanted to do more. “He’s such a natural performer, a great saxophonist, singer and dancer. This is my chance to have some fun playing with him and feature his incredible talent,” she said.

Favorite things about Christmas

“We’re creating a really special show based on who we are and what our favorite things about Christmas are.

“We’ve also recorded a brand-new version of my song ‘I Can’t Wait For Christmas,’ the inspiration for the title of my Christmas tour,” she said. “It’s a soulful kind of rockin’ version featuring myself, Lindsey and Marcus. We’ll be releasing that just in time for the holidays!”

Pre-show wine and coffee tastings

Abair and her husband, Eric Guerra, will also host pre-show Wine and Jazz Tastings before nearly all of the Christmas tour shows.

“Come early for a very special wine and music experience,” she said. “We’ll be pouring three of our company’s www.WINEandJAZZ.com fine wines. Eric, my ‘cork dork’ husband, will walk the group through an informative wine-by-wine ‘taste like a sommelier’ master class, while I pair each wine with a live performance song. We’ll get you hopped up on coffee, too, as Marcus is the king of cool coffees!

“It’ll be a well-rounded experience … a little wine, a little coffee, a little story, a little song … the spirit of the season will be felt by all,” she concluded with enthusiasm.

For more information about Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour,” visit www.mindiabair.com.

Photo: Carell Augustus

Photo: Mélisa Miranda Photography

Mindi Abair

Lindsey Webster

Marcus Anderson

By Marcia Luttrell

Dave Koz Christmas Tour

Whether he’s celebrating holiday traditions in America’s cities or introducing new experiences on the high seas, saxophonist Dave Koz is intentional when it comes to connecting to his smooth jazz fan base.

It’s a late September afternoon when we caught up with Koz, who was packing for Somma Italia, the new yachting experience he personally designed. The sold-out maiden voyage aboard Somma’s Seabourn Ovation, is an intimate, luxury cruise that visits six unique ports along the Italian coastline.

Then, in November, Koz will hop onboard an outfittedbus for his annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour, a yuletide concert that journeys to 11 states over the course of six weeks.

“Nearly every night is a performance in a different city,” said the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated musician by phone from his home in Southern California. “It’s still really fun, and it’s going strong. We’re about to start year 27, and as long as people want to keep coming, we’ll keep doing it.”

Tour lineup on the bus with Koz

The Christmas tour lineup of smooth jazz artists changes annually, and this year, Koz has invited guitarist-singer Jonathan Butler, vocalist Rebecca Jade, saxophonist Vincent Ingala and guitaristproducer Adam Hawley, who recently collaborated with Koz to release the new single, “Automatic.”

Altogether, 21 musicians and crew members will travel in two tour buses, one for the musicians and one for the crew, along with a semi-truck that transports the equipment.

The buses are equipped with living rooms, condos, or double bunks, kitchens, a shower and even a well-stocked cocktail lounge.

“It’s way better than having to travel by plane,” said Koz. “Your bus is not only your mode of transportation; it really becomes your home. After the gig you can have a nice cocktail if you want. The beds are cushy and comfortable, and I’ve come to love sleeping on the bus because it lulls you to sleep.”

The extra passenger

Koz added that the one thing he likes to bring on tour with him is his mixed-breed dog, Budrow Charles Koz, aka, Buddy Boy.

Buddy is a sparky little road warrior who fits nicely into a small carry-on bag. “I love his company so much,” Koz said. “We had Buddy on tour with us last year, and it was great to have him on the road and cuddle him at night. It’s more fun, and it feels like home when he’s around. Buddy reminds me to not sweat the small stuff. He also reminds me to stretch every day because he constantly stretches. He does the downward dog thing.”

Many of the concert halls on the Christmas tour have a history, which gives Koz a sense of awe. There’s the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, for instance, a National Historic Landmark where President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech and artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Aretha Franklin performed.

“Some of the places we play at are heritage venues, and if I think too much about who went before us, I get nervous because I don’t want to screw up the lineage,” Koz said with a laugh. “It’s awesome to perform at some of these places. I’ve been blessed to play some of the most incredible venues in the world.”

The concert of smooth jazz renderings of classic holiday songs has become a family tradition for multiple generations.

Nostalgic holiday classics

“A big part of Christmas holidays for families is nostalgia,” Koz explained. “It’s very special for us to look out through the spotlights and see familiar faces at this time of year. The holidays bring up the mirth and the happy stuff but also very strong emotions. Giving people that musical healing and offering inspiration for the new year—that’s our job, and that’s our purpose.”

Koz also feels commitment to those who have supported his talent, and the feeling is mutual. “The thing that blows me away, and what makes me so incredibly grateful, is that our smooth jazz audience is unlike any other audience in the world,” he said. “They are incredibly loyal, and as long as you keep bringing it to a high level, they’ll come,” he concluded.

For more information on the 27th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024, including complete tour dates, visit www.davekoz.com.

continued on page 44

Photo: Kristy Walker

Photo: Bobby Quillard

Photo: Raj Naik

Photo: Dan Boissy

Dave Koz

Jonathan Butler

Rebecca Jade

Vincent Ingala

Adam Hawley

continued from page 43

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway in Orlando, FloridA

By Melanie Maxwell

Whenever an established event changes venues, it’s continued success is not always guaranteed. However, when Rick Braun moved his always-sold-out New Year’s Eve Getaway from Tucson, Arizona, to Orlando, Florida, in 2023 it retained its popular status.

“I’m very happy to say that, once again, we sold out last year, and we’ve actually grown the event for this year, and we expect to sell it out as well,” Braun said.

Orlando venue advantages

The trumpeter is thrilled with the new venue, the Rosen Shingle Hotel, which is less than 10 miles from the airport, Disney World and Universal Studios Florida. “The amenities are much more extensive than what we had in Tucson, including an on-property steakhouse, Mexican restaurant, Italian restaurant, multiple bars and a 24-hour grocery store off the lobby,” he said. “The venue is larger with a capacity of a 1,000-plus people with a larger stage, more lighting and big screens projecting the show, so everyone has a good seat.”

He also praised his partner in this endeavor, Cathy Powers, founder of The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation. “She’s doing a fantastic job looking after all of the guests’ needs and production details and allowing me to focus on being the trumpet player and host.”

In addition to Braun, this year’s lineup includes Richard Elliot, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Lindsey Webster, Marcus Anderson, Nathan Mitchell and Julian Vaughn.

“We put a lot of thought into our lineup each and every year,” Braun said. “It’s important for us to bring a good mix of vocalists and instrumentalists to the event. We are always looking for marquis artists, the crème de la crème of talent, who know how to bring the party to the people, and new talent so people can get to know and appreciate up-and-coming artists better,” said Braun, who’s releasing his new “It’s Christmas” record on Oct. 11.

“The Ultimate Party”

“For those who haven’t been to our event, we like to call it the ‘Ultimate Smooth Jazz New Year’s Party.’ And that party includes two evenings of great music and a gourmet dinner on New Year’s Eve. The main show features me as your host along with some of my best and most talented friends.

I host an optional golf tournament on Dec. 30, and we have a wonderful morning together on a very user-friendly course.

“Each and every year, I get so much joy out of hosting this event. We have an opportunity to raise money for the cause of autism and have a wonderful time together enjoying your favorite artists’ music, good food, golf and good friends! The hotel is wonderful, the music is amazing, and we do our best to make this the place to be to ring in the new year,” he concluded.

For tickets or more information about Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway, scheduled for Dec. 30-31, at the Rosen Shingle Hotel in Orlando, Florida, visit www.floridasmoothjazz.com/rick-braunsnye-24, or call 386-681-7007.

Photo: Raj Naik

Rick Braun

Rosen Shingle Hotel

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Pressures about parenthood concern you now. You may be thinking of starting a family or about having difficulties dealing with teenagers, but the responsibility of the job fills your mind. Don’t worry, these things will work out as long as you are truthful with yourself.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

So many plans to be made. Luckily, you are the sort of person who enjoys making checklists and checking off items completed. You’re headed for some really big changes, and all this planning will serve you well.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

It’s time to take a good look at your friend group. You can make a decision to cut some folks who may not really add to your life in any positive way. There’s no reason to hold onto relationships that don’t add value.

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You will be super busy the next few months. All kinds of projects and some potential travel will take up a ton of your time. It’s important to schedule a break to rest during your current jam-packed itinerary. You won’t be able to accomplish all those things if you don’t.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Some relationships take more than they give to you, and now is the time to address those that are failing. Don’t feel too bad about it; others are feeling the same. Sorry to say, but you can be a bit of a drag sometimes.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

The next couple of months can bring you some lovely love time with your significant other. You just need to make sure that you are making the best choice for your relationship. There are a couple of potential lovers in the offing. Don’t move too fast.

Aries March 21 - April 19

You’re in for some snafus soon. Tickets mixed up, travel delays and communication mishaps abound. Thoroughly check and recheck your information when traveling. This can affect your work life as well. Be careful!

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Now is a great time to spoil yourself with some self-care. You could go into an extravagant spa routine with massage and bubbles, or simply give yourself a day of rest and relaxation. You will see the results.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

You may feel some relationship shifts. An old white lie may come back to haunt you. Try to be as honest as possible when you are confronted with the truth, and be gentle with yourself when you pay for it.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

You may be experiencing a lot of petty annoyances. Be extra careful when traveling, and double-check your communication devices as well. This will all pass by soon. You can be comforted by an extremely affectionate relationship.

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

You will receive some support for your creative ideas. There may be others who are interested in your work, and who may offer financial support. Make a decision as to your focus, and carefully choose potential assistance from others.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

You are prone to anxiety and overthinking, and now the feelings can intensify. It’s best to celebrate your successes rather than dwell on any potential failures. Treat yourself as kindly as you do others, and these feelings will pass.

BOOK REVIEW

“Life in the Key of G”

By Kenny G with Philip Lerman

Blackstone Publishing

2024 • 240 pages • $28.99

Reviewed by Darcy Peters

This engaging memoir of a lifetime spent in the world of music lets readers into the life of an artist often associated with the term “smooth jazz.” Grammy-winning Kenneth Gorelick was born in Seattle and came from an extremely close Jewish family, which he lovingly refers to quite often in this book.

The young, self-proclaimed “nerd” began playing the saxophone in elementary school and continued through high school. He confesses to being a little OCD. He earned all A’s in high school, and graduated from the University of Washington with an accounting degree.

He began a routine of practicing his saxophone three hours daily, which he still does to this day, and he joined all the bands in school, including the marching band. His music teachers, recognizing his talent, often recommended him when bands came into town with a need for a sax player.

He played around town whenever he could, and finally became a member of an all-Black group called Cold, Bold & Together headed by the late Tony Gable. Gorelick began working and traveling with the band while composing his own music on technical equipment he purchased with a large loan from his father. Though he certainly appreciated singers, his goal was always to make an album of instrumentals.

His big break came when he joined the Jeff Lorber Fusion band. Gorelick worked with Lorber to make his first album, which was not much of a success. However, Clive Davis, founder and president of Arista Records, noticed the young musician and took an interest in his career. Davis helped promote Gorelick’s first hit, “Songbird,” and his career took off. And, his name was changed forever more by a bandmate to “Kenny G.”

G was an early investor in Starbucks, which was financially rewarding. After he had a disagreement with Davis, G admits he mistakenly quit Arista and signed a contract with the company providing music to Starbucks. He regretted this major career error, mostly because of the way they promoted his music.

G good-naturedly peppers his book with “sax” jokes, often leaving the interpretation up to the reader. He also refers to his curls, which are a part of his look, and he is proud of his mane. He writes lovingly about his two sons. He describes reading books to learn everything about raising babies and children. He is very proud of the young men they have become. Always curious, G became a pilot, and he has owned several planes. And then there is golf. To say he is passionate about it would be an understatement. Success in golf does not come from an audience, but is specifically calculated. G’s commitment to practicing his game has served him well, and he has played well all over the country.

His commitment to instrumental music is still strong today, and as he continues to perform, his mantra could serve us all: “Practice, practice, practice.”

We Can Beat Cancer!

ARTHUR THOMPSON’S SINGLE. Featuring Dave Koz & Erin Stevenson

y your own advocate (stay in their face until they listen to you!). Early detection and important research saves lives. It saved mine!!! Join us on October 13th for the 'More Than Pink' Walk to support Breast Cancer research. “

Get your girls checked and be —Kathy Payne